Happy Thanksgiving

As it is Thanksgiving Eve, I find myself thinking of people who have had great influence in my life, especially those who had influence regarding my spiritual life. Of course I am very thankful for what God has given me in my family and friends, but if it wasn't for those people in my life that helped me grow and direct me in the choice of salvation...I wouldn't have the relationship with the everlasting Father and friend that we have in Jesus.

In thinking of those who have had influence, I want to name them:

1. One lady who pushed me as a child to sing is Vernnie Hogan! I even see her influence in my pastor when he leads the singing. Vernnie is very ill at this time, I can just kick myself for not singing upon her request before she became so ill.

2. Vernnie's sister Adene is one of my earliest Sunday School teachers that I remember. I remember hearing her sweet prayers for each person in our class.

3. Grandma (Norma) has always been a strong faithed woman. To hear your beloved grandmother pray over you and know that she does this everyday is so humbling. How many times have I prayed for her?

4. Mom and Dad for raising me in a Christian home. Taking me to church everytime the door was open, being a part of the youth group, and showing me how to serve in a church. Mom and Dad raised me in the verse from Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

5. A woman I met after conversing with her son, Loretta Lawson. Of course, at the time that I met her, I was interested in her son, but I learned more from her on a spiritual realm. Granted she was of different beliefs that contradicted some things in the Bible, but she did have a strong faith in the Lord. She showed me that regardless of your circumstances, that God is the steadfast and stable thing to turn to and cling to.

6. My pastor, Kelly Payne. Knowing him just as a family acquaintance of Mom and Dad's, I already knew of Kelly. But during the time that I was searching for God, Kelly's instruction through his sermons and classes that he taught, God finally made me realize where I was in my relationship with the Savior. Since then, Kelly has encouraged and challenged my walk with the Lord to keep me accountable and on the right track in my Christian walk. Thank you Lord for his willingness to follow your lead!

7. Last but not least, my husband, Chris. As he holds the responsibility biblically to be the head of household, he does it well. Chris was saved in February 2004 and has lead his immediate family (us) to church, now leading a RA's boys class on Wednesday nights. A tear comes to my eye to see how God has worked and blessed our lives through each other living in Christ. We sometimes think if things would be different if we were high school sweethearts...I believe it would because I think our past gets us to where we are. Chris and I had to do some growing up before we were ready for each other, then had to do some growing up together to be ready for what we have now, now having to grow even more together for what is to come. As long as God is at the top, our (Chris and I) love will grow stronger and deeper.

What are you thankful for? Really put thought to it...don't give a popular answer, one that you take for granted. Sure we can list: God, church, family, world, friends, jobs...yes some of these things are very meaningful, but why are you thankful for them? Who will you bless this holiday with a note of appreciation, a bear hug and kiss on the cheek, a phone call, or a personal visit to tell them thank you for what they have done for you? Good intentions aren't worth anything until they are put to action!

Happy Thanksgiving